🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Chelsea Women to play all home matches at Stamford Bridge from next season
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Chelsea FC Women will play all home matches at Stamford Bridge starting next season, moving from Kingsmeadow after nine years. This move signifies a major step in the club's development, transitioning from the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow, which consistently sold out, to the 41,000-seat Stamford Bridge. Head coach Sonia Bompastor stated the team is ready for this next phase of growth, having previously played selected fixtures and all UEFA Women’s Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge. CEO Aki Mandhar highlighted this as part of the club's strategic vision to establish Chelsea as a global leader in women’s football, with the decision also driven by supporter consultation and increasing ticket demand. Chelsea played their final match at Kingsmeadow earlier this month, defeating Tottenham Hotspur Women 2–1 in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals. Kingsmeadow will now serve as a base for the club’s academy sides. This aligns Chelsea with other Women’s Super League clubs like Arsenal Women, Aston Villa Women, and Leicester City Women, who have also moved matches to their main stadiums. The permanent switch to Stamford Bridge underscores the club’s long-term commitment to growth, increased visibility, and continued success, despite a current transitional period for the team. Players expressed a "bittersweet" feeling about leaving Kingsmeadow but pledged to build on past achievements in their new home.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadAfrica is projected to experience an 86 million tonne fuel shortfall by 2040, according to the Africa Finance Corporation AFC. The continent currently imports over 70 percent of its refined fuel and approximately $230 billion worth of essential goods annually. The AFC report, released in Nairobi, indicates that Africa's dependence on fuel imports will increase from 74 million tonnes in 2023 to 86 million tonnes in 2040. Rita Babihuga-Nsanze, the AFC's chief economist, highlighted that these imports, particularly for East Africa, are vulnerable to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impacted by the Iran war. The conflict has also exposed vulnerabilities in fertilizer supply, as a significant portion comes from the Gulf. Babihuga-Nsanze noted that Africa possesses 80 percent of the world's phosphate reserves but produces only 20 percent of the global stock, presenting an opportunity for the continent. The report suggests that addressing Africa's energy deficit requires new hubs and improved performance from existing assets, citing examples of underutilized hydropower in Angola and drought-affected dams in Zambia.
The Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra is set to launch in Nigeria, aiming to redefine the premium smartphone market, particularly for business professionals. The device features a design influenced by the Italian design house Pininfarina, known for shaping Ferrari vehicles, incorporating a unibody aluminum frame and a "uni-chassis" camera system. It is equipped with a 4nm-class processor for multitasking and efficiency, a 7000mAh battery with ultra-fast charging, and advanced cooling systems. A key feature is its two-way satellite communication capability, extending connectivity beyond traditional cellular networks, which is presented as a business continuity tool for sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and infrastructure development in Nigeria. The smartphone also includes a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE imaging system, intended for high-quality presentations, real-time documentation, and brand storytelling. The NOTE 60 Ultra positions itself by combining design authority, functional superiority, and relevance to local usage conditions, offering a device that reflects status, enables productivity, and adapts to Nigerian challenges.
Must ReadThe Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the African Democratic Congress ADC, creating uncertainty for both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. A five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, did not set a date for judgment after hearing arguments on appeals challenging lower court decisions. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has set May 10 as the deadline for parties to submit membership registers, with presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state houses of assembly elections for February 6, 2027. Party primaries are slated for April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. The ongoing litigations and looming INEC deadlines have disrupted the parties' ability to stabilize and organize activities, affecting aspirants. The PDP remains divided into two factions: one led by Tanimu Turaki SAN, supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The court reserved judgment on two appeals from the Turaki-led faction seeking to validate a national convention held in Ibadan. The ADC also faces a leadership crisis with multiple factions, including one led by former Senate President David Mark, another by Nafiu Gombe, and a third aligned with 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu. The Supreme Court re
Must ReadSenator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party’s interim national chairman, stated that Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, would be legally unable to contest the 2027 election on the Labour Party platform. Usman explained in an interview with Arise TV that the Electoral Act mandates the party's register to close 21 days before primaries, after which it is submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, making late registration impossible. Usman acknowledged Obi's significant role in the party's 2023 success, noting that he had persuaded her and many others to join the Labour Party from the Peoples Democratic Party due to a belief in equity and fair play, particularly after the PDP failed to zone its presidential ticket to the south. The Labour Party has been experiencing a leadership crisis, with Usman's caretaker committee and the faction of former national chairman Julius Abure both claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that Abure's tenure had expired, and a Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered INEC to recognize Usman's committee. The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently affirmed Usman as interim chairman, though Abure plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. This internal conflict has led to defections, a reduced National Assembly presence, and a weakened grassroots structure for the party. Obi cited this turmoil as a reason for his departure. Usman's faction has since initiated membership revalidation and zoned the party's 2